Amino Alkoxy-Modified Silsesquioxane Adhesives For Adhering Steel Alloy To Rubber

ABSTRACT

A coated wire includes a steel alloy coated with a coating comprising one or more amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane compounds selected from the group consisting of an amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane, an amino/mercaptan co-alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane, an amino/blocked mercaptan co-alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane, or a salt of one or more thereof. A rubber composition and a process for coating wire is also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional application 62/098701, filed on Dec. 31, 2014, titled Amino Alkoxy-Modified Silsesquioxane Adhesives for Steel Alloy to Cured Rubber. This prior application is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to adhesives for metal alloys for bonding to rubber and a process for coating steel wire with an adhesive.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is directed toward improving the adhesion and adhesion retention between a rubber composition and metallic reinforcement cord, such as steel wire and cable that are embedded in the rubber stock. Flat sheets or strips of such stocks, reinforced with metal or fibers, are utilized as plies or other components in the manufacture of tires, such as repair stocks for retreading tires, conveyor belts, hoses and are referred to in the art as rubber skim stocks. Skim refers to a relatively thin layer or coating of the rubber over the reinforcement filaments or cords. Greater thicknesses of rubber can also be bonded to metal in other instances such as motor mounts and golf club shafts.

In the manufacture of the foregoing rubber articles, particularly steel-belted bias and radial tires, it has become common to reinforce the rubber skim stock material with steel wire or cable. One of the more important uses for a metallic reinforced rubber is as a belt where one or more of these belts are substantially circumferentially oriented beneath the tread stock to maintain the integrity and shape of the tire during inflation and subsequent load. Other areas where metal reinforced rubber skim stock may be utilized is in the body ply, bead or chafer of a tire.

There are known methods for promoting adhesion between vulcanizable rubber and steel reinforcement cords. A variety of metallic salts or complexes or other additives have been employed as coatings to the metal or as an ingredient in a rubber composition. For example, steel reinforcement cords are commonly plated with metals, such as brass, zinc or bronze, that are designed to promote and maintain adhesion to sulfur-vulcanized rubber. It is also common to incorporate adhesion promoters into the rubber compounds themselves. For example, such adhesion promoters can include cobalt salt additives, HRH systems (hexamethylene tetramine, resorcinol and hydrated silica), and silanes. In particular, the adhesion of wire to rubber skim stock has been accomplished for years in the tire industry by the use of brass plated steel wire, and a specially formulated rubber containing high sulfur, resin and a cobalt salt. However, incorporation of adhesion promoters into the rubber or as a coating for wire, can modify the working properties and performance of the vulcanized compositions, in particular the resistance to thermal and thermo-oxidizing aging can be substantially altered. Furthermore, the incorporating of these compounds in the compositions is costly and the metals of these compounds may at times be scarce. In these systems, the adherence performance of the reinforcements obtained are at times insufficient and the bonding obtained can exhibit degradation over the course of time, poor resistance to thermal aging and/or thermo-oxidizing aging, in particular corrosion in the presence of water.

In a continuing effort to improve both the initial and, most importantly, the aged adhesion, alkoxy organosiloxane chemistry has been shown to be promising. Recently, we have discovered that incorporation of a compound comprising an aminosilane, a mercaptosilane, or a mixture of these, into the rubber composition prior to curing, improves metal adhesion and metal adhesion retention properties between a vulcanizable rubber composition and plated or unplated (e.g., bright) steel, and also improves thermal and humidity aging. (See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,201,944.)

However, other techniques, such as applying a mixture of alkoxy organosiloxanes in an alcoholic solution to metal plated wire cords, followed by heat setting of the film, is problematic in that the adhesive solution has a limited lifetime with respect to moisture curing. The film itself is insoluble in water and there is evolution of the alcohol solvent as a volatile organic compound (VOC).

Therefore, there is still a need to provide a method of treating wire to give a coating that will promote adhesion of a rubber stock to the wire during cure. There is also a need to provide such an adhesive coating to wire that is either unplated or metal plated. Further, there is also a need to provide an adhesion promoter that can be used with all types of rubber and does not require the use of special adhesive additives to the rubber vulcanizates, such as, but not limited to, cobalt, resins and high sulfur levels. In particular, there is a need to improve the adherence performance of the reinforcements to obtain sufficient bonding that is resistant to degradation over the course of time, especially resistance to thermal aging and/or thermo-oxidizing aging, in particular corrosion in the presence of water.

SUMMARY

In our U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 11/387,569, filed Mar. 23, 2006, entitled “Compounding Silica-Reinforced Rubber With Low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Emission,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, we described the preparation of alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane (AMS) compounds and co-alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane (co-AMS) compounds that generate less alcohol than conventional alkoxysilane-containing silica-coupling and/or silica dispersing agents used in rubber compounding. In addition to improved environmental conditions in the plant, the decreased amount of alcohol produced when using the AMS and co-AMS compounds results in vulcanized rubber compounds having one or more improved properties such as, but not limited to, enhanced rubber reinforcement, increased polymer-filler interaction and lower compound viscosity, providing for tires having improved wet and snow traction, lower rolling resistance, increased rebound and decreased hysteresis.

It has now been discovered unexpectedly that amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxanes (amino AMS), and/or amino co-AMS compounds that also can comprise a mercaptosilane and/or a blocked mercaptosilane, are excellent adhesives for coating plated or unplated metal wire for adherence of the wire to a rubber stock. An amino AMS is also useful for bonding to low density metal alloys, such as ferro-aluminum alloys. Moreover, it has also been unexpectedly discovered that vulcanized rubber compositions comprising the amino co-AMS compounds have improved adhesion to uncoated steel after humidity aging, compared with vulcanized rubber compositions not containing the amino co-AMS.

In a suitable arrangement, the amino AMS comprises an amino/mercaptan co-AMS. As employed in this description, the term “amino/mercaptan co-AMS” is meant to include the amino/blocked mercaptan co-AMS, unless otherwise designated. The term “amino AMS” also meant to encompass an amino co-AMS that can comprise other molecules, especially, but not limited to, those having groups that can react with rubber. Such groups include, but are not limited to, acrylates, methacrylates, amino, vinyl, mercapto, sulfur and sulfide groups.

It has further been discovered that amino AMS and/or amino/mercaptan co-AMS adhesives can be used with all types of rubber and there is no requirement for the use of special adhesive additives to the rubber vulcanizates, such as, but not limited to, cobalt, resins and high sulfur levels. In particular, it was discovered unexpectedly that the use of amino AMS and/or amino co-AMS compounds as adhesives for bonding wire to rubber also improves the adherence performance of the reinforcements to obtain sufficient bonding that is resistant to degradation over the course of time, especially resistance to thermal aging and/or thermo-oxidizing aging, in particular corrosion in the presence of water.

This disclosure provides a method for preparing an adhesive and/or an adhesive solution containing an amino AMS compound and/or an amino co-AMS compound, and the adhesives themselves. It further provides a rubber composite comprising steel embedded in a vulcanizable rubber stock and comprising a coating of an adhesive that comprises an amino AMS and/or an amino co-AMS compound. Further provided is a structural component for a pneumatic tire comprising the vulcanized rubber composite and having improved metal adhesion and metal adhesion retention properties, and a pneumatic tire comprising the structural component. Finally, a method for coating the amino AMS and the amino co-AMS onto steel alloy cords and the coated steel alloy cord is provided herein.

The disclosure also provides a vulcanized rubber composition comprising an uncoated low density steel alloy embedded therein, and also comprising an amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane. In particular, the vulcanized rubber composition has improved adhesion to the steel alloy after humidity aging compared with a vulcanized rubber composition not containing the amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane. The further provides a pneumatic tire comprising a structural component that comprises the vulcanized rubber composition and steel alloy, such as, but not limited to, steel alloy cords.

As used herein, the term “wire” may refer to a single strand metal wire or a combination of multiple strands, such as a “cord.”

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The adhesive for coating steel to promote adhesion of rubber to the steel during cure, comprises an amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane (AMS) comprising one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of an amino AMS, an amino/mercaptan co-AMS, an amino/blocked mercaptan co-AMS, and a weak acid-neutralized solid or aqueous solution thereof, and mixtures thereof, and having the formula

wherein w, x, y and z represent mole fractions, z does not equal zero, at least one of w, x or y must also be present, and w+x+y+z=1.00; wherein at least one of R¹, R², R³and R⁴must be present and selected from the group consisting of R⁶Z, wherein Z is selected from the group consisting of NH₂, HNR⁷ and NR⁷ ₂; and the remaining R¹, R², R³ or R⁴ are the same or different and selected from the group consisting of (i) H or an alkyl groups having one to about 20 carbon atoms, (ii) cycloalkyl groups having 3 to about 20 carbon atoms, (iii) alkylaryl groups having 7 to about 20 carbon atoms, (iv) R⁶X, wherein X is selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, SH, S_(a)R⁷, NR⁷ ₂, OR⁷, CO₂H, SCOR⁷, CO₂R⁷, OH, olefins, epoxides, amino groups, vinyl groups, acrylates and methacrylates, wherein a=1 to about 8, and (v) R⁶YR⁸X, wherein Y is selected from the group consisting of O, S, NH and NR⁷; wherein R⁶ and R⁸ are selected from the group consisting of alkylene groups having one to about 20 carbon atoms, cycloalkylene groups having 3 to about 20 carbon atoms, and a single bond; and R⁵ and R⁷ are selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups having one to about 20 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl groups having 3 to about 20 carbon atoms, and alkylaryl groups having 7 to about 20 carbon atoms.

The mixture of amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxanes that comprises the adhesive consists essentially of amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxanes having an open cage structure or ladder-like structure with a reactive alkoxysilyl group and essentially free of closed caged polyhedral organosilsesquioxanes. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that at least one of the R¹ silane atoms, R² silane atoms and R³ silane atoms in every molecule is attached to a silane that has an alkoxy (OR) group. In contrast to the amino AMS structures in the adhesive in embodiments described herein, a closed caged structure such as a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) or the like, contains substantially no Si—OR (alkoxysilane) bonds, but only Si—O—Si bonds.

At least one of the R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ groups of the amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane adhesive comprises a group that can bind to an elastomer. Such groups include, but are not limited to, acrylates, methacrylates, amino, vinyl, mercapto, sulfur and sulfide groups. In one arrangement, the at least one of the R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ groups of the adhesive amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane can be, but is not limited to, a mercaptoalkyl group, a blocked mercaptoalkyl group, and an organo group containing a chain of about 2 to about 8 sulfur atoms. In a particularly suitable arrangement for use as an adhesive for coating steel wire to promote adhesion of rubber to the steel during cure, the amino AMS comprises an amino/mercaptan co-AMS.

In suitable arrangement of the adhesive, the amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane is in an aqueous solution that has been neutralized by a weak acid, and has a pH of about 6.5 to about 4.0, typically about 6.0 to about 5.0. Suitable weak acids can have a pKa of about 3.5 to about 6.5. For example, the weak acid can comprise, but is not limited to, a weak carboxylic acid such as, but not limited to, acetic acid, ascorbic acid, itaconic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, naphthilic acid, benzoic acid, o-toluic acid, m-toluic acid, p-toluic acid, and mixtures thereof.

The adhesive can also comprise a solution of the amino AMS that comprises a solvent for the amino AMS such as, but not limited to, water, an alcohol, a hydrocarbon, a chlorocarbon, an ester, an ether, and mixtures of these, and the solution comprises about 0.01% to about 98% of the amino AMS. As a non limiting example, the solvent can independently comprise water, ethanol, hexane, toluene, tetrahydrofuran, 1,4-dioxane, 1,3-dioxolane, acetone, diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, acetonitrile, and mixtures of these.

In an embodiment, a method of making the above-described adhesive for coating steel to promote adhesion of rubber to the steel during cure, comprises the steps of (a) combining as a reaction mixture: (i) water, (ii) a solvent for the water, (iii) a hydrolysis and condensation catalyst, (iv) a weak acid, (v) an aminotrialkoxysilane, and (vi) an optional selection from the group consisting of a mercaptoalkyltrialkoxysilane, a blocked mercaptoalkyltrialkoxysilane, and mixtures of these; (b) allowing the reaction mixture to react for about 0.5 hours to about 200 hours to form an amino alkoxysilane-modified silsesquioxane; (c) recovering the amino alkoxysilane-modified silsesquioxane from the reaction mixture; and (d) forming an adhesive solution of the amino AMS in a solvent, wherein the solution comprises about 0.01% to about 98% of the amino AMS.

In an embodiment, the molar amount of weak acid to amine should be in a ratio of about 1:1; or alternatively, about 1.5:1 to about 1:1.5, such as about 1.25:1 to about 1:1.25, or about 1.1:1 to about 1:1.1.

The solvent for the adhesive amino AMS can include, but is not limited to, water, an alcohol, a hydrocarbon, a chlorocarbon, an ester, an ether, and mixtures of these. For example, suitable solvents can include, but are not limited to water, ethanol, hexane, toluene, tetrahydrofuran, 1,4-dioxane, 1,3-dioxolane, acetone, diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, acetonitrile, and mixtures of these. In an embodiment, the adhesive solution can comprise about 0.01% to about 98% of the amino AMS, about 0.02% to about 50%, about 0.02% to about 20%, about 0.5% to about 5%, about 0.1% to about 2%, or about 0.2% to about 1% of the amino AMS.

Examples of methods for making suitable amino AMS and amino/mercaptan co-AMS compounds for use as adhesive solutions are described in our U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Ser. Nos. 61/017,932 and 61/018,213, filed Dec. 31, 2007, from which U.S. Pat. No. 8,513,371 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,501,895 issued, and in the examples below. However, these examples are not intended to be limiting. From the teachings of this disclosure, other methods for making the compound(s) will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

Briefly, in a general, but non-limiting example, the adhesives can be made from an amino AMS that has been made by subjecting an aminotrialkoxysilane to hydrolysis and condensation in an aqueous alcohol solution in the presence of a hydrolysis and condensation catalyst. The reaction is continued for a period of time sufficient for substantial total conversion of the reactants to the amino AMS or amino co-AMS compounds. The rate of conversion of the reactants to the final product can be controlled by the concentration of the reactants. The greater the concentration of the reactants, the shorter the reaction time. The temperature at which the reaction takes place is not critical except that it be less than the boiling point of the solvent, although the use of a pressure vessel for the reaction will allow higher temperatures to be used. For example, almost identical yields of amino AMS product can be obtained from ambient temperature (about 25° C.) to about 60° C. to about 100° C. The amino AMS product is then removed from the reaction mixture by distillation of solvent after removing the strong acid catalyst or first neutralizing the amine and the catalyst. Solvent replacement with water will give a stable aqueous concentrated solution.

The period of time for total conversion of the reactants to the amino AMS product depends on the original concentration of the reactants and the optional addition of reactants and/or applied heat during the process. However, if no additional reactants are used, the time can range from about 0.5 hours to about 200 hours, often about 0.75 hours to about 120 hours, or about one hour to about 72 hours.

The hydrolysis and condensation catalyst can be a strong acid, a strong base, a strong organic acid, a strong organic base, a solid strong cationic resin, and mixtures of these. Suitable hydrolysis and condensation catalysts for use in making the amino AMS compounds for use as adhesives are known and include, but are not limited to, strong acids such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, toluenesulfonic acid; strong bases such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide; and strong organic acids and bases, such as DBU (1,8-diazabicyclo [5.4.0] undec-7-ene), DBN (1,5-diazabicylo-[4.3.0] non-5-ene), imidazoles, guanidines; and mixtures of these. The hydrolysis and condensation catalyst is also suitably a solid strong cationic resin such as, but not limited to, those particularly described in methods for making amino AMS compounds using such resins as disclosed in our U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/017,932 filed Dec. 31, 2007, from which U.S. Pat. No. 8,513,371 issued.

When a strong acid, a strong organic acid or a solid strong cationic resin are used as the hydrolysis and condensation catalyst, it is advantageous to add a weak acid buffer to the reaction mixture. The weak acid buffer in the reaction mixture is used to neutralize the amine functionality during the preparation of the amino AMS so that the strong acid can function as the hydrolysis and condensation catalyst. The weak acid buffer (which is not an AMS catalyst) can also act as a stabilizer so that the amine salt in water will not further condense to give an insoluble gelled structure. The weak acid buffer can comprises a weak acid having a pK_(a) of about 3.5 to about 6.5. For example, a suitable weak acid buffer can comprise, but are not limited to, weak carboxylic acids such as, but not limited to, acetic acid, ascorbic acid, itaconic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, naphthilic acid, benzoic acid, o-toluic acid, m-toluic acid, p-toluic acid, or mixtures of any of these. The amount of the weak acid buffer in the reaction mixture can range from about 0.5 to about 2 or about 1 to about 2 molar equivalents of acid to the amine.

Further, the use of an aqueous solution of an amino/mercapto functional co-AMS prepared with hydrochloric acid has shown good adhesion for steel cord to rubber, but certain side reactions can be observed that possibly could prevent long term usage. The first side reaction is a slow gel formation when the adhesive is diluted with distilled water to a pH of 6.2 or higher. To overcome this problem, the use of the weak acid buffer, such as an acetate described above, can be used to prevent the increase in pH upon dilution and aging. A second side reaction that is sometimes observed is the formation of a slightly cloudy AMS when a strong base or strong organic base, such as an amine or the like, as described above, is used as the catalyst in place of an acid. The cloudy solution that may be produced can be eliminated by the addition of a small amount of sodium borohydride to the base catalyzed co-AMS product. As a result, a clear aqueous stable solution of the amino/mercapto co-AMS can be formed. However, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the use of sodium borohydride, as other suitable reducing agents that can act to cleave S-S single bonds to form SH bonds are known to those skilled in the art and would be suitable in the present method.

In one example illustrated below, the hydrolysis and condensation catalyst comprises a solid strong cationic hydrolysis and condensation catalyst. In this method of making the amino AMS compound, the weak acid buffer is used in the reaction mixture to neutralize the amine functionality during the preparation of the amino AMS adhesive so that the solid strong cationic resin can function as the hydrolysis and condensation catalyst. The weak acid buffer (which is not an AMS catalyst) can also act as a stabilizer so that the amine salt in water will not further condense to give an insoluble gelled structure. In this method, the solid strong cationic catalyst can easily be recovered from the reaction mixture as a precipitate, such as by filtration, providing for its reuse in subsequent reactions. An advantage to the use of this method is that the recovered amino AMS adhesive products are free of, or substantially free of, residual strong acid catalyst. The method can further comprise the step of recovering the solid strong cationic catalyst from the reaction mixture for recycling the catalyst.

Suitable solid strong cationic hydrolysis and condensation catalysts for use in making the amino AMS are commercially available and include, but are not limited to, cationic ion exchange resins that have sulfonic acid groups attached to an insoluble polymeric matrix. For example, these solid resins contain a H+ counter ion that is a strong cation exchanger due to its very low pKa (<1.0). As a non-limiting example, such cationic ion exchange resins can be prepared by sulfonating (by treating with sulfuric acid) a polystyrene that has been crosslinked with about 1 percent to about 8 percent divinylbenzene. Examples of suitable commercially available strong cationic exchange resins include, but are not limited to, the H+ ionic form of Amberlite IR-120, Amberlyst A-15, Purolite C-100, and any of the Dowex® 50WX series resins. Such resins are typically gel beads having particle sizes of about 400 mesh to about 50 mesh. Other types of solid supports for the strong cationic ions have been described, such as, but not limited to, polymer strips and polymer membranes. Suitably, the solid strong cationic catalysts are in a physical form that, after the amino AMS adhesives or amino co-AMS adhesives are extracted, will precipitate (or sink) to the bottom of the reaction chamber for simple separation from the reaction mixture, such as by filtration or the like.

In general, a suitable adhesive comprising an amino co-AMS compound can be manufactured by the co-hydrolysis and co-condensation of an aminotrialkoxysilane with, for example, a mercaptoalkyltrialkoxysilane to introduce a mercaptoalkyl functionality, or with a blocked mercaptoalkyltrialkoxysilane to introduce a blocked mercaptoalkyl functionality. In another arrangement, a blocking agent can be bonded to an amino AMS adhesive containing an SH group subsequent to the condensation reaction, as described in the above-referenced U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/387,569.

Examples of suitable aminotrialkoxysilane reactants include, but are not limited to, 3-[N-(trimethoxysilyl)-propyl] -ethylenediamine, 3-[N-(triethoxysilyl)-propyl]-ethylene-diamine, and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. Examples of suitable sulfur-containing trialkoxysilanes include, but are not limited to mercaptoalkyltrialkoxysilanes, blocked mercaptoalkyltrialkoxysilanes, 3 -mercaptopropyltrialkoxysilane, 3 -thioacylpropyltrialkoxy-silane, and 3-thiooctanoyl-propyltrialkoxysilane.

In this description the use of the term “blocked mercaptoalkyltrialkoxysilane” is defined as a mercaptosilane silica coupling agent that comprises a blocking moiety that blocks the mercapto part of the molecule (i.e., the mercapto hydrogen atom is replaced by another group, hereafter referred to as “blocking group”) while not affecting the silica-reactive mercaptosilane moiety. Suitable blocked mercaptosilanes can include, but are not limited to, those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,127,468; 6,204,339; 6,528,673; 6,635,700; 6,649,684; 6,683,135; the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference with respect to the examples described. For purposes of this disclosure, the silica-reactive “mercaptosilane moiety” is defined as the molecular weight equivalent to the molecular weight of 3-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane. A deblocking agent can be added during or after rubber compounding (e.g., later in the manufacturing process, such as during cure), after the silica-silane reaction has occurred, to allow the sulfur atom of the mercaptosilane to bond rapidly with the rubber. The deblocking agent can be added at any time during the compounding process as a single component during any mixing stage in which deblocking is desired. Examples of deblocking agents are well known to those skilled in the art.

In an embodiment of the adhesive, the amino AMS and/or the amino/mercaptan co-AMS may also be combined with any AMS and/or co-AMS, such as those described in our U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/387,569, filed Mar. 23, 2006, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,799,870.

A feature of each of the amino AMS or amino co-AMS adhesives is that the reactive alkoxysilyl group is present at such a low level that only a small amount of alcohol can be liberated by hydrolysis of the product. That is, the z alkoxysilyl group generates only about 0.05% to about 10% by weight alcohol when the product is treated by substantially total acid hydrolysis. Suitably, the amount of generated alcohol is about 0.5% to about 8% by weight and, more suitably, the amount of generated alcohol is about 1% to about 6% by weight.

The amount of residual reactive alkoxysilyl groups in each of the final amino AMS adhesive or amino co-AMS adhesive products can be measured by the amount of alcohol recoverable from the product, according to the method published in Rubber Chemistry & Technology 75, 215 (2001). Briefly, a sample of the product is treated by total acid hydrolysis using a siloxane hydrolysis reagent (0.2 N toluenesulfonic acid/0.24 N water/15% n-butanol/85% toluene). This reagent quantitatively reacts with residual ethoxysilane (EtOSi) or methoxysilane (MeOSi), freeing a substantially total amount of ethanol or methanol that is then measured by a headspace/gas chromatographic technique, and expressed as the percentage by weight in the sample.

The amino AMS and/or amino co-AMS products are particularly useful as adhesives for structural components having improved metal adhesion and metal adhesion retention to cured rubber. In an embodiment, a rubber composite comprising steel embedded in a vulcanizable rubber stock, wherein the steel comprises a coating of an adhesive that comprises an amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane (AMS) selected from the group consisting of an amino-AMS, an amino/mercaptan co-AMS, an amino/blocked mercaptan co-AMS, and mixtures thereof, prepared according to the method described above.

In another arrangement, the vulcanizable rubber stock can contain about 0.5 phr to about 20 phr of the amino AMS and/or amino co-AMS, added during compounding, especially in rubber stocks that are intended for, but not limited to, use as belt skim stocks. Uncoated (no adhesive) steel can then be embedded in the stock. As illustrated in the Examples below, such rubber stocks have improved adhesion to the steel after humidity aging compared with a vulcanized rubber composition not containing the amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane.

In an embodiment, any conventional steel can be employed with the teachings disclosed herein. Non-limiting examples include low, medium, and high-carbon grades of steel. Low carbon steel is particularly suitable. When steel wire cord is used in the rubber composite, the wire cord can include, but is not limited to, unplated steel cord, brass plated steel cord, zinc plated steel cord, bronze plated steel cord, plated steel cord at least a portion of which is bright steel, and combinations of these. The steel wire cord can be embedded in the vulcanizable rubber stock by common methods well known to those of ordinary skill in the art of rubber manufacturing. In particular, it has been discovered that special additives that promote adhesion of the metal to the rubber are not necessary when using the present adhesives. Therefore, the rubber used for the composite can be substantially free of additives, metallic salts and complexes that promote adhesion to the steel and, optionally, is free of resorcinol. In an embodiment, substantially free means free of an amount that would be effective to produce the adhesion promoting effect. In embodiments, an effective amount may be about 0.001 phr or more, or about 0.01 phr to about 5 phr, or about 0.1 phr to about 2 phr.

It was also discovered that the AMS adhesive disclosed herein was effective for adhering rubber to low density steel alloys, such as those that have a density less than about 8 g/cm³, such as, for example, about 7 g/cm³ to about 7.7 g/cm³, or about 7.25 g/cm³ to about 7.5 g/cm³. The steel may be an alloy of iron with another metal (an “alloy metal”), such as a metal with a lower density than iron. The alloy metal may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of aluminum, manganese, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, silicon, boron, aluminum, cobalt, copper, cerium, niobium, titanium, tungsten, tin, zinc, lead, and zirconium. Particular alloys include, ferroaluminum, bronze-aluminum, ferrovanadium, ferromanganese, gray cast iron, and stainless steel.

In an embodiment, the steel alloy cord comprises iron and about 1% to about 50% of at least one of the alloy metals, such as about 8% to about 40%, or about 2% to about 4%. In an embodiment, the amount of carbon in the steel alloy is about 0.1% to about 2%, such as about 0.3% to about 0.7%, or about 0.5% to about 1%.

In steel alloys such as ferroaluminum alloys, direct adhesion to rubber was not thought to be feasible, and brass or copper coatings were traditionally needed to adhere the rubber to the cord. However, the amino-AMS/amino-co-AMS coated adhesive or rubber additive disclosed herein allows for embodiments where the steel alloy cord is bonded to the rubber without any metal-containing coating, such as brass, copper, or copper sulfide.

In an embodiment, to enhance the uniformity of the coating, the steel alloy cord is oil free. The oil may be substantially removed by soaking the cord in a solvent for the oil prior to coating.

In an embodiment for coating steel alloy cord, the amino-AMS and amino co-AMS (mercapto-amino AMS) is supplied in about a 40:60 molar mixture of mercapto-amino AMS/amino-AMS in about a 40 mol % aqueous solution. Alternatively, about 30:70 to about 50:50 molar mixture, such as about 35:65 to about 45:55, or about 38:62 to about 42:58. The molar mixtures disclosed above can also be expressed as a solution of a salt of the AMS, e.g., the diacetate of the diamine, with stoichiometric equivalent weight percentages. In an embodiment, the mercapto-amino AMS helps bind the silane to an elastomer, and the amino-AMS provides toughness to the film when formed as a coating on metal. In an embodiment, octyl triethoxysilane can also be added as a diluent to encourage coating silica.

The term amino-AMS or amino co-AMS is meant to encompass a salt of the same, such as a carboxylic acid salt of the same, since this may form in aqueous solution at weakly acidic pH. The pH may be weakly acidic at about 6 pH, or about 4 pH to about 6.5 pH, or about 5.75 pH to about 6.1 pH. In an embodiment, the amino AMS or co-amino AMS may be diluted to an about 0.45 wt % solution by adding it to water, ethanol, or mixtures thereof. Including an alcohol as the solvent can be useful to remove any oil left on the wire. In other embodiments, the amino AMS or amino co-AMS can be diluted in a range of, for example, about 0.01% to about 5%, such as about 0.3% to about 1%, or about 0.4% to about 0.6%. Too high of an AMS solution concentration may cause the film to bridge between cord filaments and possibly cause incomplete thermal crosslinking.

The diluted amino AMS or amino co-AMS has long shelf'life stability, such as about 4 years, or about 2 years, provided that the pH is maintained below about 6.2.

In an embodiment, the steel alloy cord is coated by using a Litzler machine.

Example settings include about 5 to about 20 yards per minute, such as about 7 to about 17, or about 11 to about 15. Total exposure time may, for example, range from about 20 seconds to about 1000 seconds, such as about 30 seconds to about 100 seconds, or about 45 seconds to about 100 seconds.

In an embodiment the coating apparatus is set up as follows, the cord is pulled through a coating bath that includes a 6 inch pulley approximately 1/3rd submerged in a small pool of the dilute AMS solution. The cord has an approximated contact time of about 0.8 seconds, or in other examples about 0.25 to about 5 seconds, about 0.5 to about 2 seconds, or about 0.75 to about 1.25 second. The wetted cord is then partially dried with a fan blowing over the exiting cord and then passed through an oven set at about 160° C., or in other examples, about 120° C. to about 220° C., or about 150° C. to about 180° C., for about 1 minute or more, such as about 1.2 minutes to about 30 minutes, or about 1.5 minutes to about 5 minutes.

In an embodiment, two heating zones through which the cord is pulled through are employed to (1) remove the majority of the solvent at a lower temperature, and (2) crosslink the AMS film at a higher temperature. The low temperature heating zone may, for example, have a temperature ranging from about 50° C. to about 150° C., such as about 85° C. to about 125° C., or about 90° C. to about 110° C. The high temperature heating zone, may, for example, have a different temperature ranging from 150° C. to about 240° C., such as about 160° C. to about 200° C., or about 165° C. to about 175° C. In an embodiment, temperature and exposure time should be controlled to cause the cord to reach at least 110° C. in the high heat zone for at least 30 seconds, at least 1 minute or at least 2 minutes. At the end of the heating process the coating will have dried and solidified on the wire.

In an embodiment, controlling the temperature and treatment time allows control of the thickness and crosslinking of the adhesive film. The concentration of amino AMS, amine content, drying time and temperature can also control the thickness and crosslinking of the adhesive film

The adhesive silsesquioxane coating on the steel alloy cord may range in thickness from about 5 nm to about 3 microns, such as about 50 nm to about 500 nm, or about 55 nm to about 100 nm. The thickness of the coating can be determined by etching or short submersion in dilute hydrochloric acid and then measuring the film that has been separated by SEM. In certain embodiments, the coating that results may be uneven or thicker over certain portions of the steel wire than others. In such an instance, the thicknesses mentioned are intended to apply to a large majority of the surface area of the steel word (i.e., at least 70%, such as at least 80% of the steel wire should have a coating of at least the specified thickness).

In certain embodiments, the dry coated steel wire is wound around a storage device or cylinder. In such embodiments, the dry coated wire is allowed to cool prior to the winding, for example, to a temperature of less than about 50° C. In certain embodiments, the dry coated temperature is allowed to cool to room temperature prior to winding around any type of storage device or cylinder.

The coating method described above is a continuous process where all of the steps (i.e., wetting, evaporating to mostly-dry and heating to form a dry coated steel wire) can be performed without interruption. In other words, the continuous processes provided herein eliminate the need for intermediary handling steps during the process of forming the silsesquioxane coating upon the steel wire. The continuous processes also allow for the coating of a significantly longer length of wire (e.g., many meters or an entire spool of wire) instead of the discrete pieces of cut wire that can be coated using previous dip processes. By the continuous process disclosed herein, the overall coating process can be performed relatively more quickly, with less variation and will produce more consistent results (e.g., in terms of the thickness, consistency and integrity of the silsesquioxane coating).

In an embodiment, a suitable rubber for a pneumatic tire having metallic reinforcement embedded therein can be a rubber skim stock that is suitable for the preparation of articles such as tires. Both synthetic and natural rubber may be employed within the vulcanizable rubber compositions described herein. These rubbers, which may also be referred to as elastomers, include, without limitation, natural or synthetic poly(isoprene), and elastomeric diene polymers including polybutadiene and copolymers of conjugated diene monomers with at least one monoolefin monomer. Suitable polybutadiene rubber is elastomeric and has a 1,2-vinyl content of about 1 to 3 percent and a cis-1,4 content of about 96 to 98 percent. Other butadiene rubbers, having up to about 12 percent 1,2-content, may also be suitable with appropriate adjustments in the level of other components, and thus, substantially any high vinyl, elastomeric polybutadiene can be employed. The copolymers may be derived from conjugated dienes such as 1,3-butadiene, 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene-(isoprene), 2,3-dimethyl-1,2-butadiene, 1,3-pentadiene, and 1,3-hexadiene, as well as mixtures of the foregoing dienes.

Regarding the monoolefinic monomers, they include vinyl aromatic monomers such as styrene, alpha-methyl styrene, vinyl naphthalene, and vinyl pyridine as well as mixtures of the foregoing. The copolymers may contain up to 50 percent by weight of the monoolefin based upon total weight of copolymer. In an embodiment, the copolymer is a copolymer of a conjugated diene, especially butadiene, and a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon, especially styrene.

The rubber compound can comprise up to about 35 percent by weight styrene-butadiene random copolymer, such as, 15 to 25 percent by weight.

In an embodiment, the rubber polymers can comprise either 100 parts by weight of natural rubber, 100 parts by weight of a synthetic rubber or blends of synthetic rubber or blends of natural and synthetic rubber such as 75 parts by weight of natural rubber and 25 parts by weight of polybutadiene.

The vulcanizable composition, including the adhesive-coated wire cords, can then be processed according to ordinary tire manufacturing techniques. Likewise, the tires are ultimately fabricated by using standard rubber curing techniques. For further explanation of rubber compounding and the additives conventionally employed, one can refer to The Compounding and Vulcanization of Rubber, by Stevens in Rubber Technology, Second Edition (1973 Van Nostrand Reibold Company), which is incorporated herein by reference. The reinforced rubber compounds can be cured in a conventional manner with known vulcanizing agents at about 0.1 to 10 phr. In an embodiment, the amount of sulfur is about 0.5 phr to about 4 phr, such as 1 phr to about 2.5 phr. For a general disclosure of suitable vulcanizing agents, one can refer to Kirk-Othmer, Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 3rd ed., Wiley Interscience, N.Y. 1982, Vol. 20, pp. 365 to 468, particularly Vulcanization Agents and Auxiliary Materials, pp. 390 to 402, or Vulcanization by A. Y. Coran, Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering, Second Edition (1989 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.), both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Vulcanizing agents can be used alone or in combination. In an embodiment, the rubber compounds are sulfur-vulcanized. Cured or crosslinked polymers may also be referred to as vulcanizates for purposes of this disclosure.

In an embodiment, the adhesive compositions can be utilized to form structural components, including their use in treadstocks for tires. Pneumatic tires can be made according to the constructions disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,866,171; 5,876,527; 5,931,211; and 5,971,046, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. The adhesive composition can also be used to form other elastomeric tire components such as subtreads, sidewalls, body ply skims, bead fillers sidewalls, apex, chafer, sidewall insert, wirecoat, and inner liner, without limitation.

EXAMPLES

The following examples illustrate methods of preparation of representative amino AMS and amino co-AMS products, including amino AMS and amino co-AMS adhesives for improved metal adhesion and metal adhesion retention to cured rubber. However, the examples are not intended to be limiting, as other amino AMS and amino co-AMS products and adhesives, alone or in combination, can be prepared according to the described methods. Moreover, the methods are exemplary only and other methods for preparing the products employing other reactants can be determined by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention herein disclosed and claimed.

Example 1: Preparation of 3-aminopropyl AMS hydrochloride

To a one liter flask was added 300 mL of absolute ethanol, 24.42 g of 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (110 mmol), 21.6 mL of 12N hydrochloric acid (259 mmol acid and 900 mmol water) and 16.6 mL of water (920 mmol). The solution immediately became cloudy upon mixing and, after standing 3 days at ambient temperature, gave a viscous semi-crystalline mass. The solvent was decanted, purged with nitrogen to remove the remaining solvent, and vacuum dried to give 16.28 g of a white crystalline hydrochloride salt. The theoretical yield (TY) was 16.13 g. The solid was readily soluble in about 120 mL of distilled water to give 149.69 g of a clear solution, which contained about 10.8% total solids and a density of 1.035 g/mL. This solution had a calculated AMS concentration of 0.761 N in silicone. The pH was about 1.0. Titration with standard sodium hydroxide indicated the solution to be 0.0045 N in free hydrochloric acid.

Example 2: Preparation of co-AMS Containing 3-mercaptopropyl and 3-aminopropyl co-AMS hydrochloride in a 45:55 Ratio

The procedure of Example 1 was followed, except that the alkoxysilane components were 23.35 g of 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (105.2 mmol) and 16.27 g of 3-mercaptopropyl triethoxysilane (84.6 mmol). A cloudy solution was initially formed that remained unchanged after 18 hours. Heating this solution to 50° C. to 60° C. with a nitrogen purge removed most of the solvent to give a white waxy solid which did not change upon vacuum drying. The addition of about 100 mL of water gave a slightly cloudy solution and a small amount (0.56 g) of a solid that was removed. The 130.72 g of solution did not further change upon standing. This solution had a density of 1.061 g/mL and a calculated concentration of 1.44 N of co-AMS. This represented 19.4% total solids. Titration showed the presence of free hydrochloric acid to give a 0.800 N solution.

Example 3: Preparation of co-AMS Containing 3-octanoylthio-1-propyl and 3-aminopropyl co-AMS hydrochloride in a Ratio of 31:69

The procedure of Example 1 was followed, except that the alkoxysilane components were 28.6 g of 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (129.2 mmol) and 21.44 g of 3-octanoylthio-1-propyltriethoxysilane (NXT™) (58.8 mmol). A cloudy solution was initially formed and remained unchanged after 18 hours. Heating this solution to 50° C. to 60° C. with a nitrogen purge removed most of the solvent to give a white waxy solid which, upon vacuum drying, gave 33.68 g of a white crystalline powder. The addition of about 200 mL of water was needed to give a mixture that could be stirred. A slightly cloudy fluid solution was obtained after overnight stirring. The 285.9 g of solution did not further change upon standing, had a density of 1.029 g/mL and a calculated concentration of 0.47 N of co-AMS. This represented 8.19% total solids based on the theoretical yield of product. Titration showed the presence of free hydrochloric acid to give a 0.022 N solution.

Example 4: Application of AMS and co-AMS Compounds for Wire Adhesion to Rubber

A dip method was used to coat commercial brass-plated or zinc-plated steel wire cord with the AMS and co-AMS solutions prepared in Examples 1 and 2. A few 7-wire, 360 mm long wire cords at a time were placed in 10 mm diameter by 380 mm tall test tubes partially filled with the respective AMS or co-AMS solutions. A soaking time of 5 minutes was targeted; however, with the amount of free hydrochloric acid present in the solutions described in Examples 1-3, the soaking time was reduced to less than 30 seconds because of the attack of the acid on the wire as evident by foaming and evolution of hydrogen. After this soaking, all wires cords were removed, excess solution was wiped off with a clean cloth, and the wires cords were placed in a clean aluminum tray. The trays containing the coated wire cords were then dried in a 100° C. forced air oven for 20 minutes to remove any remaining moisture prior to test pad preparations.

The steel cord skim compound used in the test pad preparations was a test belt skim compound containing high sulfur, resin and cobalt, illustrated in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Test skim stock formulation Parts per hundred parts rubber Material (phr) Natural Rubber 100 Carbon Black 55 Silica 8 Zinc Oxide 6 Phenolic Resin* 1.9 Cobalt Salt** 0.85 Insoluble sulfur (80% sulfur) 6 2% HMMM*** 3.5 Antioxidants 3.5 Accelerator 0.8 Total 188.05 *Resorcinol-formaldehyde resin **Cobalt boro-neodecanoate ***Hexamethoxymethylmelamine

It is to be understood that the foregoing skim stock formulation is presented solely to enable the evaluation of the practice of the invention. As such, the present invention is not limited to this specific formulation. Moreover, as explained in fuller detail below, skim stocks that do not contain rubber bonding materials such as, but not limited to, cobalt, high sulfur and resin, are also useful in embodiments disclosed herein.

The brass plated steel wire cords comprised a coating of 63% copper and 37% zinc. The zinc plated steel wire cords comprised a coating of 100% zinc. As stated above, the particular plated steel cord construction employed for the testing has two strands of wire wrapped by seven strands which is in turn wrapped by a single strand. This configuration or style is commonly referred to as 7/2+1 (7 over 2 plus 1) steel cord style. The style of the brass plated and/or zinc plated steel wire cords is not a limitation to the present invention and, therefore, other styles of brass- or zinc- plated steel cords are applicable.

The skim rubber compound was molded around the AMS-coated or co-AMS-coated brass plated wire cords (samples 3 and 5, respectively), or the AMS-coated or co-AMS-coated zinc plated wire cords (samples 4 and 6, respectively), or with non-treated (i.e., no AMS solution applied) controls of brass or zinc-plated wire cords (samples 1 and 2, respectively) and the test pads were then cured at 149° C. for 40 minutes.

The test utilized T-adhesion pads prepared by a standard method, using a Clicker machine having a cavity dimension of 4.0 mm depth, 39 mm width and 200 mm length. The mold slot width was 1 or 1.5 mm. Test pads were built directly in the mold in which they were prepared. The mold was at room temperature during building of the pads. A piece of pre-cut mylar film 35 mm×191 mm was placed in each cavity of the mold. A steel cord specimen was placed in each of 9 slots of the mold cavity. The specimen was pressed down between coils of the spring that was used to hold the wire in place, and pulled to insure that it lay straight on the bottom of the cavity. A polyethylene film was removed from one side of a pre-cut piece of the rubber skim compound prior to placing the piece of rubber in the cavity. The compound was lightly pressed into the cavity. The remaining plastic film was then removed. A sheet of backing fabric (square woven) cut to approximately 305 mm×305 mm was placed over the pads, and pressed lightly onto the pads. The pads were cured within two hours after building.

To cure the test pads, the top plate was placed on the mold and the assembly centered on the curing press platen. After curing, the mylar film was peeled from each pad and the test pads were allowed to equilibrate at room temperature for at least 24 hours after removing from the mold. It is to be understood that the exemplified method of preparing the T-adhesion pads is not a limiting feature of the invention, as other known methods for preparing such pads can be used, without limitation.

Cord to rubber adhesion (CRA) was evaluated for each of the embedded wire cord samples. The pull-out force was measured by a Model 1130 Instron Universal Tester at a crosshead speed of 25.4 cm/min and 110° C.; the T-adhesion pads were preheated in the 110° C. oven for 20 minutes prior to testing. The force necessary to pull or remove the metallic reinforcement from the vulcanized rubber skim stock is given in kg/cm, followed by the percent of rubber skim stock remaining on the surface of the metallic reinforcement. The amount of rubber skim stock remaining on the metallic reinforcement was determined by visual examination and is reported as % rubber coverage. In particular, the coverage of rubber remaining on each of three (3) wire cords after pull out was visually ranked according to the following coverage rankings:

Coverage Ranking 100% A  75% to 100% B 50% to 75% C 25% to 50% D  0% to 25% E

The results of the testing are illustrated in Table 2. The cord to rubber adhesion (CRA) test results and observations show that the pull out force required for the AMS-treated or co-AMS-treated brass plated wire cords (samples 3 and 5) was about 50% to about 30% of that of the non-treated brass-plated wire cord (sample 1). This finding is not surprising since, without being bound by theory, it has been suggested that adhesion of the rubber to brass plated wire cords is in large part mechanical, as the formation of copper sulfide corrodes the wire to provide a roughened surface and the rubber flows into and penetrates the pits and valleys to form a physical bond with the cords. Again, without being bound by theory, it is possible that coating of the brass-plated wire with the AMS or the co-AMS adhesive could coat the surface with the AMS and inhibit the contact of the rubber to the cords and prevent the formation of the physical bond. Additionally the undiluted AMS solutions from Example 1-2 when dried left a visible thick coating of AMS between the individual wires of the cord that also prevented penetration and coating of the rubber skim stock around the wires during molding. The decrease in adhesion of the rubber to the brass plated wire cords was also reflected in the coverage ranking results, where the untreated brass plated controls showed the most residual rubber coverage on pull out.

In contrast to the untreated brass plated wire cords, untreated zinc plated (control) wire cords do not adhere well to rubber skim stocks because no corrosion pits and valleys are formed on the wire cord surface. As illustrated by the control sample 2, the pull out force required for the untreated zinc plated wire cords approached zero, with 0-25% (coverage ranking E) of rubber remaining adhered to the cord. Unexpectedly, however, the coating of the zinc plated wire cords with the AMS or the co-AMS adhesive solutions (samples 4 and 6, respectively) resulted in an increased pull out force of about 660% compared to the untreated zinc plated wire cords (sample 2).

TABLE 2 Sample No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 AMS or co-AMS used for treatment 3- mercaptopropyl- and 3-aminopropyl 3-aminopropyl AMS co-AMS Controls hydrochloride hydrochloride (no treatment) (Example 1) (Example 2) Wire cord Brass Zinc Brass Zinc Brass Zinc Plated Plated Plated Plated Plated Plated Pull Out Force 6.31 0.40 2.84 2.66 1.98 2.65 (kg/cord) Coverage 3A 3E 3E 3E 3E 3E Ranking Surface Rough Bare Smooth Smooth Smooth Smooth % Adhesion 100% 100% −55% +660% −69% +660% Gain/Loss

Example 5: Preparation of an amino/mercapto co-AMS with DBU as Catalyst

The use of an aqueous solution of an amino/mercapto functional co-AMS prepared with hydrochloric acid has shown good adhesion for steel cord to rubber, but there are side reactions that prevent long term usage. The first side reaction is slow gel formation when diluted with distilled water to a pH of 6.2 or higher. To overcome this problem, an acetate buffer was used to prevent the increase in pH upon dilution and aging. A second side reaction was the formation of a slightly cloudy AMS when an amine was used as the catalyst in place of an acid. The cloudy solution that was produced was eliminated by the addition of a small amount of sodium borohydride to the amine catalyzed co-AMS product. As a result, a clear aqueous stable solution of the amino/mercapto co-AMS was formed. However, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the use of sodium borohydride, as other suitable reducing agents that can act to cleave S—S single bonds to form SH bonds are known to those skilled in the art and would be suitable in the present method

The present example (5) and Example 6 demonstrate the use of an acetate buffer and sodium borohydride.

To a 500 mL Erlenmeyer flask was added 34.21 g (155 mmol) of 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane, 12.25 g (62 mmol) of 3-mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane (28.8 mole %) and 241.65 g (308 mL) of absolute ethanol. To this mixture was then added 3.86 g (25 mmol) of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) catalyst dissolved in 30.1 g (1.66 mol) of water. A clear solution was obtained that became slightly cloudy within 30 minutes. No phase separation occurred during the next 24 hours, with only a slight increase in cloudiness. The theoretical yield of product was 24.97 g.

About half of this co-AMS solution (sample A, 152.2 g) was added to 250 mL of a sodium acetate/acetic acid aqueous buffer prepared with 4.51 g sodium acetate and 4.1 g of acetic acid. The pH changed from about 3.0 to 9.0 upon the addition. Adjustment with 2.12 g of acetic acid gave a pH of 5.7. Further acetic acid addition of 0.72 g gave a final pH of 5.0. This solution was heated to about 80° C. to remove the ethanol and reduce the final volume to 209 mL of a 5.9 wt % AMS in water. Similarly, the remaining about half of the co-AMS solution (sample B) was buffered with the same acetate buffer containing an additional 2.58 g of acetic acid to give a pH of 5.8. The cloudiness could not be filtered or reduced with sodium borohydride. Both samples A and B were diluted to as low as 0.75 wt % with distilled water (pH 7.2) without any significant change in pH. The dilute solution did not change in clarity or viscosity on standing.

Example 6: Preparation of an amino/mercapto co-AMS with DBU as Catalyst and Added sodium borohydride

To a 500 mL Erlenmeyer flask was added 32.98 g (149 mmol) of 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane, 12.73 g (65 mmol) of 3-mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane (30.2 mole %) and 241.68 g (308 mL) of absolute ethanol. To this mixture was then added 3.79 g (25 mmol) of DBU catalyst dissolved in 32.15 g (1.77 mol) of water and 1.76 g (5.29 mmol) of a solution of 0.20 g of sodium borohydride in 10 g of water. The clear solution was stirred for 66 hours with no cloudiness appearing. The addition of about half this solution (165.9 g) to the sodium acetate/acetic acid buffer described in Example 5, containing 4.47 g of extra acetic acid, gave a clear solution that was concentrated by heating to remove the ethanol, as described in Example 5, to give 21.3 g of a 5.9wt %, pH 5.9, stable aqueous amino/mercapto co-AMS. The pH decreased during the concentration procedure to a value of 4.8 (sample C). The remainder was similarly treated to give a 6.6 wt % solution with a pH of 5.5 that, when reduced to 183.3 g, had a pH of 5.0 (sample D). Both samples C and D remained clear upon dilution with distilled water and gave no cloudiness or gel.

Example 7: Preparation of a 40.3% amino/mercapto co-AMS as an Aqueous Solution

The co-AMS was prepared by adding 5.3 g (23.9 mmol) of 3-[N-(trimethoxy-silyl)-propyl]-ethylenediamine, 3.97 g (20.2 mmol) of 3-mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane to 38 g of absolute ethanol, 5.74 g (315.7 mmol) of water and 0.40 g (2.60 mmol) of DBU catalyst in a 500 mL Erlenmeyer flask. The clear solution was allowed to stand for 17 hours in ambient conditions before adding 59 g of water and 3.92 g (65.7 mmol) of acetic acid. The pH was measured as 6.2. The ethanol was removed by heating at 70° C. to 80° C. with a nitrogen purge for one hour. A total of 50.31 g of solution was obtained. Dilution with 54.56 g of water gave a 5.6% solution of amino/mercapto co-AMS with a pH of 6.2. The theoretical yield was 5.87 g of the co-AMS. This solution was used for adhesion studies by dilution to the indicated concentration with distilled water.

Example 8: Testing of amino/mercapto co-AMS as an Adhesive for Rubber to Zinc-Plated Steel Wire Cords with and without Heat and Humidity Aging

A dip method (as described in Example 4) was used to coat zinc-plated wire cords with the amino/mercapto co-AMS prepared in Example 7 by placing a few 7-wire 360 mm long cords at a time in a partially filled 10 mm diameter by 380 mm tall test tube. After 5 minutes soaking all wire cords were removed and then air dried in a clean aluminum tray. The trays containing the amino/mercapto co-AMS-coated wire cords were then dried from 100° C. to 160° C. in a forced air oven for 20 minutes to remove any remaining moisture, to allow rearrangement of the co-AMS into lattices and to promote film formation.

The samples listed in Table 3 below were prepared according to the procedure of Example 7, and the volumes of distilled water used (if any) and the volume of the amino/mercapto co-AMS (AM-AMS) are also listed. Test pads were prepared using the production skim rubber compound according to Example 4, using amino/mercapto co-AMS-coated zinc-plated steel wire cords (Samples 7-12), uncoated zinc-coated control wire cords, and uncoated brass-plated control wire cords. The pads were cured at 149° C. for 40 minutes.

Some of the cured test pads were exposed for 14 days to a temperature of 45° C. and 95% relative humidity in order to examine the effects of heat and moisture aging on the adherence of the amino/mercapto co-AMS coated wire cords to the rubber.

The pull-out force and Coverage Ranking for each of three (3) wire cords for each category are listed in the Table 3.

The cord to rubber adhesion (CRA) test results and observations show that the pull out force for the un-aged (as molded) co-AMS coated zinc cords was from about 33 to about 46 times that of the uncoated brass-plated wire cord for all solutions of 2.8% solids and lower. The most impressive pull out force was seen with the amino/mercapto co-AMS coated zinc cords after aging 14 days in 95% relative humidity and 45° C. For these dilutions, the average loss in adhesion was only 25%. In contrast, after the same 95% relative humidity for 14 days at 50° C., the uncoated brass-plated wire cord showed 63% loss of adhesion. Visual inspection of sample 7 (from the 5.6% solution) showed buildup of the adhesive layer between the cords, which prevented penetration of the skim stock during molding.

TABLE 3 Aged 14 days @ 45° C. and 95% As molded RH* AM- Water AM- Pull out % of Pull out Change Sample AMS % Used AMS Force Coverage Brass Force Coverage on Aging No. solution % mL kg/cord Rating Control kg/cord Rating % Brass — — 0 4.15 3A 100%  1.55 3E −63% Control Zinc — — 0 0.10 3E 2.4%  0.16 3E 46% Control  7 5.6 0 0 0.77 3E 19% 0.44 3E −43%  8 2.8 5 5 3.34 3C 80% 2.69 2D −20%  9 1.4 7.5 2.5 4.62 3B 111%  3.62 3C −22% 10 0.7 8.75 1.25 3.77 3B 91% 2.80 3B −26% 11 0.35 9.325 0.625 3.38 3B 81% 2.80 3B −17% 12 0.18 9.687 0.313 3.49 3B 84% 2.60 3B −26% *Relative Humidity

Example 9: Preparation of a 40.3% amino/mercapto co-AMS as an Aqueous Solution with Organic Carboxylic Acid Neutralization

The co-AMS was prepared by adding 5.3 g (23.9 mmol) of 3-[N-(trimethoxy-silyl)-propyl]-ethylenediamine, 3.97 g (20.2 mmol) of 3-mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane (MPS) to 38 g of absolute ethanol, 5.74 g (315.7 mmol) of water and 0.40 g (2.60 mmol) of DBU in a 500 mL Erlenmeyer flask. Analysis of the amount of liberated methanol in this preparation indicated that almost all of the latent alcohol in the starting siloxanes was liberated in the first 5 to 30 minutes of reaction. The clear solution was allowed to stand for 15 to 24 hours at ambient temperature before adding 59 g of water and an equivalent (65.7 mmol) of an organic carboxylic acid was added to each of 5 different samples (13 through 17), as indicated in Table 4 below. The pH was measured to be less than 6.5. The ethanol and by-product methanol were removed by heating at 70° C. to 80° C. with a nitrogen purge for an hour. A VOC-free solution was obtained which was diluted with water to give a 5.6% solution of amino/mercapto AMS with a pH<6.5. The expected yield was 5.87 g of the amino/mercapto co-AMS was used to calculate the concentration of the solution prepared and for all further dilutions with distilled water to prepare subsequent dipping solutions that are used. These solutions were used for adhesion studies (see Table 5) by dilution to the indicated concentration with distilled water.

Table 4 illustrates the sample number, type and weight of organic carboxylic acid used, as well as the solubility in the reaction mixture and the resulting 5.6% aqueous solution of the amino/mercapto co-AMS.

TABLE 4 5.6% aqueous Total wt solution Acid Equivalent of 5.6% Change appearance Sample grams acid/ Initial Final solution with acid after 1 No. Acid Used added amine pH pH (grams) addition initial day 13 Acetic 4.6 1.00 6.2 5.6 94.22 clear clear clear 14 Ascorbic 13.5 1.00 5.8 5.3 85.30 yellow brown clear 15 Itaconic 5.25 1.05 6.3 5.5 93.58 cloudy, soluble clear oily ppte. 16 Lactic 8.2 1.01 6.4 6.4 93.93 clear clear clear 17 Malic 5.41 0.53 5.5 5.3 93.45 cloudy, soluble clear oily ppte.

Example 10: Testing of Amino/Mercapto AMS as an Adhesive for Rubber to Zinc-Plated Steel Wire Cords

A dip method, as described in Example 4, was used to coat zinc-plated wire cords with the amino/mercapto AMS prepared in Example 9 by placing a few (7 wire) 360 mm long cords at a time in a partially filled 10 mm diameter by 380 mm tall test tube. After 5 minutes soaking all wire cords were removed without wiping or blotting and then air dried in a clean aluminum tray. The trays containing the amino/mercapto AMS-coated wire cords were then dried from 100° C. to 160° C. in a forced air oven for 10 to 20 minutes to remove any remaining moisture, to rearrange the co-AMS and to promote film formation.

Test pads were prepared using the test skim rubber compound according to Example 4, the amino/mercapto AMS-coated zinc-plated steel wire cords and uncoated brass-plated control wire cords. The pads were cured at 149° C. for 40 minutes.

Some of the prepared test pads were exposed for 14 days to a temperature of 45° C. and 95% relative humidity in order to examine the effects of heat and moisture aging on the adherence of the amino/mercapto co-AMS (AM-AMS) coated wire cords to the rubber.

Table 5 illustrates the CRA test results for each of five examples (18A,B-22A,B) of amino/mercapto AMS-coated zinc-plated steel wire cords that were embedded in the test pads, in which the amino/mercapto AMS treatment solution was pre-diluted with water to contain 1.4% solids (A) or 0.7% solids (B), respectively. The percentage amount of the mercaptopropyl moiety in the amino/mercapto AMS for each sample is also indicated, as well as the type of organic carboxylic acid used to neutralize the amino/mercapto AMS solution, and the pH of the resulting solution.

The CRA test results and observations indicate that the pull out force for the amino/mercapto AMS-coated zinc-plated wire cords was from about 33 to about 46 times that of the untreated zinc-plated wire cord for all solutions. As expected, the pull out force for the untreated zinc-plated wire cords was only about 6% of that of the untreated brass-plated wire cord control, taken at 100%. The most impressive pull out forces were observed with the amino/mercapto AMS-coated zinc-plated wire cords after aging 14 days in 95% humidity and 50° C. For the illustrated dilutions, the average pull out force increased by 25% and the force required was 56% greater than the aged untreated brass-plated wire cords. In contrast, the same aging conditions were deleterious for the untreated brass-plated cords, resulting in 60% loss of the pull out force compared to the un-aged brass-plated controls.

In all cases, the adhesion (pull out) forces of the aged AM-AMS-treated zinc-plated cords samples compared to the aged untreated zinc-plated control sample were 56% greater. Further, samples of products 19, 20 and 22 showed a significant improvement in the molded adhesion as the aqueous solution of the AM-AMS adhesive was more diluted.

The coverage rankings for the treated samples, whether aged or not aged, bear out the pull out force observed, as described above.

Example 11: Preparation of an amino/mercapto co-AMS with Organic Carboxylic Acid Neutralization and a Strong Cationic Resin Catalyst. In Particular, Preparation of a co-AMS with 30 mol % of a Mercaptopropyl Silane, and Using a Dowex 50Wx2-100E Strong Cationic Resin Catalyst

A strong cationic resin catalyst was used to prepare a co-AMS containing an aminoalkylene silane, a mercaptopropyl silane and a weak carboxylic acid. The co-AMS product was readily obtained in an alcohol water solution by filtration from the insoluble cationic resin. Dilute solutions in water were used for metal coating and adhesive to rubber when the mercaptoalkylene silane was used as a co-AMS with the aminoalkylene silane. After the reaction, the recovered strong cationic resin catalyst was available for reuse for subsequent synthesis reactions.

To a 250 mL Erlenmeyer flask was added 15.76 g (71.0 mmol) of 3-[N-(trimethoxy-silyl)-propyl]-ethylenediamine, 5.97 g (30.4 mmol) of 3-mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane, 77.95 g (101.9 mL) of absolute ethanol, 8.68 g. (65.1 mmol) of acetic acid (1.07 equivalents/amine) and 11.97 g (664 mmol) of distilled water. To this solution was added 1.75 g of water washed and dried Dowex 50WX2-100E (7.07 mmol of acid) strong cationic polystyrene resin (containing 15.9% water by TGA, crosslinked with 2% divinylbenzene, 100 mesh extracted particles).

TABLE 5 Aged Aged Sample Sample After Aging Sample vs. vs. 14 days @ 50° C. & vs. Aged Brass 95% Relative Original Brass % MPS As Molded Control Humidity Sample Control % AM- in AM- Pull out % Pull Pull out % Pull % Pull Sample AMS AMS Acid pH of Force Coverage out Force Coverage out out No. Solution Solution Used Solution kg/cord Rating Force kg/cord Rating Force Force Brass control 4.35 3A 100% 1.73 3E 40% 100% Zinc control 0.26 3E 6% 0.6 3E 231% 35% 18A 1.4 30.2 Acetic 6.2 3.56 2B1C 82% 3.55 3B 100% 205% 18B 0.7 30.2 3.19 3C 73% 3.00 3C 94% 173% 19A 1.4 30.1 Ascorbic 5.8 1.49 3E 34% 2.18 3E+ 146% 126% 19B 0.7 30.1 3.28 3C 75% 2.67 3C 81% 154% 20A 1.4 29.9 Itaconic 6.3 1.36 3E 31% 2.07 2D1E 152% 120% 20B 0.7 29.9 1.46 3E 34% 2.33 3D 160% 135% 21A 1.4 31.2 Lactic 6.4 3.40 3C 78% 3.33 3C 98% 192% 21B 0.7 31.2 3.00 2B1E 69% 2.98 2B1E 99% 172% 22A 1.4 30.0 Malic 5.5 1.52 3E 35% 2.35 2D1E 155% 136% 22B 0.7 30.0 1.60 3E 37% 2.56 3D 160% 148% Average 125% 156%

After stirring for 24 hours, the solution was still clear and the Dowex resin was separated by filtration through a medium sintered glass filter. The product as the acetate was recovered by evaporation of the solvent by heating and a nitrogen purge to give after drying 24.00 g (102% based on the salt) of a sticky viscous oil. The recovered Dowex resin weighed 1.89 g and contained 22.1% water, for total recovery of the resin. The latent alcohol concentration of the amino/mercapto co-AMS was determined to be about 3%.

A total of 50 mL of an aqueous solution was prepared to be 23.3 wt % of the co-AMS. This solution was clear and stable at an adjusted pH of 6.0. This preparation was used as a concentrate to prepare dilute solutions for casting an adhesive coating onto brass plated steel wire.

Example 12: Preparation of an amino/mercapto co-AMS with 33 mol % of a mercaptopropyl silane, and Using a Dowex 50WX2-100E Strong Cationic Resin Catalyst

To a 2 liter Erlenmeyer flask was added 116.08 g (522.0 mmol) of 3-[N-(trimethoxy-silyl)-propyl]-ethylenediamine, 49.93 g (254.3 mmol) of 3-mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane, 400.93 g (508.1 mL) of absolute ethanol, 129.64 g. (1.062 mol) of benzoic acid (1.02 equivalents/amine) and 18.32 g (74.01 mmol of acid) of water washed and dried Dowex 50WX2-100E strong cationic polystyrene resin crosslinked with 2% divinylbenzene (as a 100 mesh particles).

To this suspension was added 118.09 g (6.55 mol) of distilled water and, after stirring for 24 hrs, the solution was clear with some cloudiness from the suspended catalyst. The Dowex resin was separated by filtration through a medium sintered glass filter. The product as the benzoic acid salt was recovered by evaporation of the solvent with heating to 70° C. to 85° C. with a nitrogen purge, followed by vacuum drying at 60° C. and 0.1 mm of Hg.

The weight of the glassy product was 245.15 g. The true yield of the benzoate salt was 239.8 g, indicating the presence of 1.3% excess benzoic acid and some trace water. The recovered Dowex resin weighed 20.56 g and contained 22.1% water, for a total recovery of the resin. This recovered catalyst was used in subsequent preparations. Latent alcohol was measured on the product and indicated 1.38% available ethanol. A 25 mL aqueous solution containing about 0.1 g of the product had a pH of 5.08.

This preparation (EX1) was used as a compounding additive to prepare belt skim rubber stocks described in Examples 15 and 16.

Example 13: Preparation of a Carbon Black (CB) Supported amino/mercapto co-AMS

The amino/mercapto co-AMS was prepared as described in Example 12, except that after the filtration of the Dowex resin from the product, a suspension of 241.94 g of N326 carbon black in 400 mL of ethanol was added. The product was then dried as above to give an approximate 50% CB supported amino/mercapto co-AMS product. The pH was 5.82 and the latent ethanol was 1.42%.

This preparation (EX2) was used as a compounding additive to prepare belt skim rubber stocks described in Example 16.

Example 14: Preparation of an amino/blocked mercapto co-AMS

The amino/mercapto co-AMS was prepared as described in Example 12, except that 90.53 g (248.3 mmol) of S-(octanoyl) mercaptopropyl triethoxy silane (NXT™) was substituted for the 3-mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane. A total of 729.49 g of a glassy product was obtained that had a pH as measured above of 6.03 and a latent ethanol content of 0.43%.

This preparation (EX3) was used as a compounding additive to prepare belt skim rubber stocks described in Example 16.

Example 15: Preparation and Properties of Rubber Compounds for Belt Skim Stocks Employing Amino/mercapto co-AMS as an Additive and Having Embedded Uncoated Zinc-Plated Steel Wire Cords

Belt skim rubber compounds labeled EX4, EX5, EX6 and EX7 were prepared as illustrated in Table 6 using the amino/mercapto co-AMS from Example 12, labeled EX1, as an additive in rubber compositions containing carbon black (30 phr) in combination with silica (8.0 phr or 6.0 phr) as reinforcing fillers. The silica employed was either Ciptane™ LP or organically modified silica (Agilon™ 400, PPG Industries, Pittsburgh, Pa.).

The physical properties of the rubber stocks were measured by standard testing methods and are illustrated in Table 7.

The uncoated zinc-plated steel wire cords were embedded in test pads prepared from the belt skim stocks, as described in Example 4. Some of the prepared test pads were exposed for two days to a temperature of 167° F. and 95% relative humidity in order to examine the effects of heat and moisture aging on the adherence of the untreated wire cords to the rubber containing the amino/mercapto co-AMS of Example 12.

The cured rubber adhesion (CRA) of the humidity aged test samples, EX5 and EX7, were compared to the CRA of the unaged control samples, EX4 and EX6, respectively. Surprisingly, the test samples, EX5 and EX7, have an improved CRA after two days of humidity aging. This is a surprising result since the CRA usually decreases after aging, as shown in EX4 and EX6, respectively, in belt skim rubbers not containing the aminomercapto co-AMS (EX1) of Example 12.

TABLE 6 EX 4 EX 5 EX 6 EX 7 MasterBatch-1 NR 100 100 100 100 CB 30 30 30 30 Activators 6 6 6 6 Resins 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 Metal salt 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 EX-1 8.0 8.0 Ciptane LP 8.0 6.0 Agilon 400 8.0 6.0 MasterBatch-2 MB-1 146.8 152.8 146.8 152.8 CB 25 25 25 25 MasterBatch-3 MB-2 171.8 177.8 171.8 177.8 Resins 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 Final Batch MB-3 174.3 180.3 174.3 180.3 Resins 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 Sulfur 6 6 6 6 Accelerators 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 Antioxidants 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5

TABLE 7 EX 4 EX 5 EX 6 EX 7 VISC 1 40.2 51.1 45.2 56.5 PEAK 50.2 65.7 56.3 71 SCORCH 7.85 8.28 7.95 7.6 T90 7.81 9.47 8.54 9.63 M100,40/300 5.1 5.3 5.4 5.8 Tb 23.6 21.0 24.7 22.7 Eb 391 334 398 332 E′ (4%), 25 C. 15.6 11.9 14.4 12.0 E′ (4%), 60 C. 13.8 10.5 13.6 11.1 Tan d (4%), 25 C. 0.231 0.195 0.211 0.199 Tan d (4%), 60 C. 0.205 0.156 0.197 0.160 B Tear, RT 242 222 228 307 CRA-SS SDB Avg 5.42 1.09 4.74 1.15 unaged Force (Kg) Energy (J) 53.33 10.74 46.91 10.82 CRA-SS Avg 2.00 1.18 1.79 1.34 SDB167F2D Force (Kg) Energy (J) 21.48 12.58 23.20 15.56 CRA-SS SM624 Avg 4.07 1.59 5.69 1.30 unaged Force (Kg) Energy (J) 42.69 14.79 57.84 11.82 CRA-SS SM624 Avg 1.89 1.34 1.61 1.43 167F2D Force (Kg) Energy (J) 22.66 16.66 19.84 17.62

Example 16: Preparation and Properties of Rubber Compounds For Belt Skim Stocks Employing Amino/mercapto co-AMS as an Additive and Having Embedded Uncoated Zinc-Plated Steel Wire Cords

Belt skim rubber compounds labeled EX8, EX9, EX10 and EX11 (control, no amino/mercapto co-AMS) were prepared as illustrated in Table 8 using the amino/mercapto co-AMS from Example 12 (EX1), Example 13 (EX2) and Example 14 (EX3), as additives in rubber compositions containing carbon black (30 phr) in combination with silica (8.0 phr) as reinforcing fillers. The physical properties of the rubber stocks were measured by standard testing methods and are illustrated in Table 9.

The uncoated zinc-plated steel wire cords were embedded in test pads prepared from the belt skim stocks, as described in Example 4. Some of the prepared test pads were exposed for two days to a temperature of 167° F. and 95% relative humidity in order to examine the effects of heat and moisture aging on the adherence of the untreated wire cords to the rubber containing the amino/mercapto co-AMSs.

The cured rubber adhesion (CRA) of the humidity aged test samples were compared to the CRA of their corresponding unaged control samples. Examples EX8, EX9 and EX10 show a very mild decrease of adhesion after humidity aging. However, the average force of adhesion test of the control stock (EX11) is reduced to 25% of its original adhesion.

TABLE 8 EX 8 EX 9 EX 10 EX 11 MasterBatch-1 NR 100 100 100 100 CB 30 30 30 30 Activators 6 6 6 6 Resins 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 Metal salt 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 MasterBatch-2 MB-1 146.8 152.8 146.8 152.8 CB 25.0 16.3 26.1 33.7 WK037 8 8 8 8 EX-1 8.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 EX-2 0 17.44 0 0 EX-3 0 0 7.64 0 MasterBatch-3 MB-2 180.5 180.5 180.5 180.5 Resins 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 Final Batch MB-3 183.0 183.0 183.0 183.0 Resins 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 Sulfur 6 6 6 6 Accelerators 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 Antioxidants 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5

TABLE 9 EX 8 EX 9 EX 10 EX 11 VISC 1 56.5 56.9 57.5 58.6 PEAK 75.2 75.4 71.8 79.6 SCORCH 7.92 8.89 7.31 9.65 T90 9.36 9.64 9.35 8.64 M100, 40/300 6.4 5.9 6.9 6.5 Tb 23.2 20.8 23.6 24.0 Eb 307 298 337 357 E′ (4%), 25 C. 20.74 15.49 26.16 20.63 E′ (4%), 60 C. 18.81 14.83 21.91 16.84 Tan d (4%), 25 C. 0.2382 0.2176 0.2444 0.2625 Tan d (4%), 60 C. 0.2098 0.1919 0.2177 0.2219 B Tear, RT 170 201 231 229 CRA-SS SDB unaged Avg Force (Kg) 1.62 2.25 1.66 5.85 CRA-SS SDB167F2D Avg Force (Kg) 1.44 1.65 1.60 1.30 CRA-SS SM624 unaged Avg Force (Kg) 1.67 2.10 1.75 4.94 CRA-SS SM624 167F2D Avg Force (Kg) 1.10 1.74 1.43 1.42

Example 17: Preparation of amino-mercapto AMS (with 30 mole % mercapto and 70 mole % amino)

The following ingredients were added to a 2 L Erlenmeyer flask (while stirring with a magnetic stir bar): 134.08 g (602.99 mmol) 3-[N-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl]-ethylenediamine, 50.66 g (258.02 mmol) 3-mercaptopropyl triethoxysilane, 394.12 g (499.5 mL) absolute ethanol, 73.07 g (1.217 mol) acetic acid (1.009 equivalents of acetic acid/moles of aminogroups) and 39.98 g (76.76 mmol of acid) water-washed until neutral (by pH paper) and dried 100-200 mesh size strong cationic polystyrene resin crosslinked with 2% divinylbenzene. To the suspension was added 130.2 g (7.23 mol) (moles water/moles Si—O—Me=2.81) of distilled water. After a slight exothermic reaction that caused the suspension temperature to increase to about 35° C., the suspension was stirred for 23 hours at ambient temperature (about 25° C.) to give a clear solution of the product and the suspended cationic resin catalyst.

Thereafter, the resin was separated by filtration through a medium sintered glass filter. To the filtrate was added approximately 150 mL of distilled water. The resulting clear solution was then heated at 70 to 100 ° C. with a nitrogen purge to distill of the ethanol solvent and alcohol reaction products along with any excess water. This provided 311.06 g of aqueous solution containing the acetic acid salt of the amino-mercapto co AMS. The aqueous solution had a calculated amino-mercapto co-AMS content of 40.26 weight % (63.54 weight % of the di-carboxylic acid salt of the amino-mercapto co-AMS), 0.21% free acetic acid and 36.25% water. After dilution with additional distilled water to about 5 weight % di-carboxylic acid salt of the amino-mercapto co-AMS, the solution had a pH of 5.59. The stability of the solution was shown by no increase in viscosity, cloudiness or color that would be noted from aging over 12 months.

Example 18: Exemplary Method for Producing Coated Steel Wire (Using the Carboxylic Acid Salt AMS of Example 17)

A Litzler Computreater 2000-H (C.A.Litzler Co., Inc., Cleveland, Ohio) was used for purposes of the heating portion of the process. The steel wire utilized was of the configuration 1×5×0.225 (a configuration using 5 filaments twisted into 1 cord with the cord having an overall diameter of 0.225 mm). The steel wire was brass-plated. The carboxylic acid salt of an AMS (as produced in Example 1) was utilized in an aqueous solution containing 0.3 weight % or 0.6 weight % of the carboxylic acid salt of the AMS generated in Example 1 (based upon the total weight of the aqueous solution) which contains 30 mole % mercapto and 70 mole % amino. The aqueous solution had a pH of 6 (as measured using a hand-held pH meter).

About 100-200 mL of the aqueous solution was then placed into a plastic container. The steel wire was unwound from a spool (the spool being that on which it was supplied) and passed under a pulley wheel (of size approximately 4 inches) that had been partially submerged (approximately the lower 1 inch of the wheel was submerged) in the aqueous solution to produce a wet coated steel wire. This set-up allowed the steel wire to maintain contact with the aqueous solution for about 1-2 seconds. After the wet coated steel wire passed out of the aqueous solution and off of the pulley wheel, it was passed by a small fan. The fan blew room temperature air (approximately 25-35° C.) over the surface of the wet coated steel wire to produce a mostly-dry coated steel wire. The mostly-dry coated steel wire then passed into the Litzler machine.

While the Litzler machine utilized contained more than one oven, only one oven was utilized. (As discussed above, it is contemplated that more than one heating step could be utilized and, as such, more than one oven could be utilized.) Various temperature settings were utilized: 170° C. and 180° C. These temperature settings represent the internal temperature of the oven. Various speed settings were utilized on the Litzler machine so that the wire spent either 1 minute or 2 minutes within the oven. As those familiar with the Litzler machine will understand, in order to thread the steel wire through the machine, it was necessary to first thread a quantity of the steel wire into and through the wheels and pulleys of the machine without wetting it or otherwise treating it with the aqueous solution. Once threading had been achieved, the appropriate wire speed was adjusted (a setting of 12-13 yards per minute was utilized). Thereafter, the pulley and aqueous solution container were implemented so that the steel wire was wetted with the aqueous solution and air-dried prior (in the manner discussed above) to entering the Litzler machine. After passing out of the Litzler machine, the wire was wound onto another spool. The wire had a temperature of about 30-50° C. just prior to being wound onto the storage spool.

Prophetic Example 1

The process of Example 18 would be repeated except the steel cord would not be brass plated and would be a steel alloy, such as a ferro-aluminum alloy or other steel alloy mentioned herein.

Prophetic Example 2

The process of Prophetic Example 1 would be repeated except two heating zones, a low temperature zone at about 100° C. would be used to remove substantially all the water, and a high temperature zone at about 180° C. would be used to crosslink the amino-AMS/amino-co-AMS coating. The two heating zone setup is believed to improves coverage of the cord and promote uniform coating.

Prophetic Example 3

The process of Prophetic Example 2 would be repeated, except the cord would be soaked in a solvent for the oil prior to the coating step. In addition, a solvent for the oil such as an alcohol would be provided as part of the solvent used in the coating bath to remove any residual oil.

To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to mean “comprising.” Furthermore, to the extent that the term “or” is employed, unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary, it is intended to be a non-exclusive “or”, i.e., “A or B or both.” As used in the description and the claims, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” mean “one or more” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

While the present application has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept. 

We claim:
 1. A coated wire comprising: a steel alloy wire coated with a coating comprising one or more amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane compounds selected from the group consisting of an amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane, an amino/mercaptan co- alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane, an amino/blocked mercaptan co- alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane, or a salt of one or more thereof; and having the formula:

wherein w, x, y and z represent mole fractions, z does not equal zero, at least one of w, x or y must also be present, and w+x+y+z=1.00; wherein at least one of R¹, R², R³and R⁴ must be present and be selected from the group consisting of R⁶Z, wherein Z is selected from the group consisting of NH₂, HNR⁷ and NR⁷ ₂; and one or more remaining R¹, R², R³ or R⁴, if present, are the same or different and selected from the group consisting of (i) H or an alkyl groups having one to about 20 carbon atoms, (ii) cycloalkyl groups having 3 to about 20 carbon atoms, (iii) alkylaryl groups having 7 to about 20 carbon atoms, (iv) R⁶X, wherein X is selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, SH, S_(a)R⁷, NR⁷ ₂, OR⁷, CO₂H, SCOR⁷, CO₂R⁷, OH, olefins, epoxides, amino groups, vinyl groups, acrylates and methacrylates, wherein a=1 to about 8, and (v) R⁶YR⁸X, wherein Y is selected from the group consisting of O, S, NH and NR⁷; wherein R⁶ and R⁸ are selected from the group consisting of alkylene groups having one to about 20 carbon atoms, cycloalkylene groups having 3 to about 20 carbon atoms, and a single bond; and R⁵ and R⁷ are selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups having one to about 20 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl groups having 3 to about 20 carbon atoms, and alkylaryl groups having 7 to about 20 carbon atoms.
 2. The coated wire of claim 1, wherein the steel alloy is selected from the group consisting of: ferroaluminum, bronze-aluminum, ferrovanadium, ferromanganese, gray cast iron, and stainless steel.
 3. The coated wire of claim 1, wherein the steel alloy is an alloy of iron with an alloy metal, wherein the alloy metal has a lower density than iron.
 4. The coated wire of claim 1, wherein the steel alloy is an alloy of iron with an alloy metal, and the alloy metal is selected from one or more of the group consisting of aluminum, manganese, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, silicon, boron, aluminum, cobalt, copper, cerium, niobium, titanium, tungsten, tin, zinc, lead, and zirconium.
 5. The coated wire of claim 4, wherein the steel alloy comprises iron and about 1% to about 50% of the alloy metal.
 6. The coated wire of claim 1, wherein a surface of the steel alloy wire is oil free.
 7. The coated wire of claim 1, wherein the coating comprises a mixture of amino-AMS and amino co-AMS in about 30:70 to about 50:50 molar ratio.
 8. The coated wire of claim 1, wherein the coating is solidified on a surface of the steel alloy.
 9. The coated wire of claim 1, wherein the amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane liberates about 0.05% to about 10% by weight alcohol when treated by substantially total acid hydrolysis.
 10. A process for continuously coating a steel alloy wire comprising the steps of: wetting the steel alloy wire in a bath of a solution comprising 0.01 to 5% of one or more amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane compounds selected from the group consisting of an amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane, an amino/mercaptan co-alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane, an amino/blocked mercaptan co-alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane, or a slat thereof; and having the formula

wherein w, x, y and z represent mole fractions, z does not equal zero, at least one of w, x or y must also be present, and w+x+y+z=1.00; wherein at least one of R¹, R², R³and R⁴ must be present and be selected from the group consisting of R⁶Z, wherein Z is selected from the group consisting of NH₂, HNR⁷ and NR⁷ ₂; and one or more remaining R¹, R², R³ or R⁴, if present, are the same or different and selected from the group consisting of (i) H or an alkyl groups having one to about 20 carbon atoms, (ii) cycloalkyl groups having 3 to about 20 carbon atoms, (iii) alkylaryl groups having 7 to about 20 carbon atoms, (iv) R⁶X, wherein X is selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, SH, S_(a)R⁷, NR⁷ ₂, OR⁷, CO₂H, SCOR⁷, CO₂R⁷, OH, olefins, epoxides, amino groups, vinyl groups, acrylates and methacrylates, wherein a=1 to about 8, and (v) R⁶YR⁸X, wherein Y is selected from the group consisting of O, S, NH and NR⁷; wherein R⁶ and R⁸ are selected from the group consisting of alkylene groups having one to about 20 carbon atoms, cycloalkylene groups having 3 to about 20 carbon atoms, and a single bond; and R⁵ and R⁷ are selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups having one to about 20 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl groups having 3 to about 20 carbon atoms, and alkylaryl groups having 7 to about 20 carbon atoms; and heating the coated steel alloy wire such that the steel alloy wire reaches a minimum temperature of at least 110° C. in at least one step, thereby forming a dry coated steel alloy wire.
 11. The process of claim 10, wherein the heating step comprises pulling the steel alloy wire through a low temperature heating zone having a temperature ranging from about 50° C. to about 150° C. and a high temperature heating zone having a different temperature ranging from 150° C. to about 240° C.
 12. The process of claim 10, wherein the steel alloy is selected from the group consisting of: ferroaluminum, bronze-aluminum, ferrovanadium, ferromanganese, gray cast iron, and stainless steel.
 13. The process of claim 10, wherein the steel alloy is an alloy of iron with an alloy metal, wherein the alloy metal has a lower density than iron.
 14. The process of claim 10, wherein the steel alloy is an alloy of iron with an alloy metal, and the alloy metal is selected from one or more of the group consisting of aluminum, manganese, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, silicon, boron, aluminum, cobalt, copper, cerium, niobium, titanium, tungsten, tin, zinc, lead, and zirconium.
 15. The process of claim 13, wherein the steel alloy comprises iron and about 1% to about 50% of the alloy metal.
 16. The process of claim 10, further comprising removing oil from the steel alloy wire, by soaking the steel alloy wire in a solvent for the oil prior to the wetting step.
 17. The process of claim 10, wherein the bath comprises a solvent for oil.
 18. The process of claim 11, wherein the coated steel alloy wire is dried in the low temperature heating zone, and the amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane coating is crosslinked in the high temperature heating zone.
 19. A rubber composition comprising: a coated steel alloy embedded in a vulcanizable rubber stock; wherein the steel alloy is coated with an adhesive comprising one or more amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane compounds selected from the group consisting of an amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane, an amino/mercaptan co-alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane, an amino/blocked mercaptan co- alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane, or a salt of one or more thereof; and having the formula

wherein w, x, y and z represent mole fractions, z does not equal zero, at least one of w, x or y must also be present, and w+x+y+z=1.00; wherein at least one of R¹, R², R³and R⁴ must be present and be selected from the group consisting of R⁶Z, wherein Z is selected from the group consisting of NH₂, HNR⁷ and NR⁷ ₂; and one or more remaining R¹, R², R³ or R⁴, if present, are the same or different and selected from the group consisting of (i) H or an alkyl groups having one to about 20 carbon atoms, (ii) cycloalkyl groups having 3 to about 20 carbon atoms, (iii) alkylaryl groups having 7 to about 20 carbon atoms, (iv) R⁶X, wherein X is selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, SH, S_(a)R⁷, NR⁷ ₂, OR⁷, CO₂H, SCOR⁷, CO₂R⁷, OH, olefins, epoxides, amino groups, vinyl groups, acrylates and methacrylates, wherein a=1 to about 8, and (v) R⁶YR⁸X, wherein Y is selected from the group consisting of O, S, NH and NR⁷; wherein R⁶ and R⁸ are selected from the group consisting of alkylene groups having one to about 20 carbon atoms, cycloalkylene groups having 3 to about 20 carbon atoms, and a single bond; and R⁵ and R⁷ are selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups having one to about 20 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl groups having 3 to about 20 carbon atoms, and alkylaryl groups having 7 to about 20 carbon atoms.
 20. The rubber composition of claim 19, wherein the steel alloy is an alloy of iron with an alloy metal, and the alloy metal is selected from one or more of the group consisting of aluminum, manganese, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, silicon, boron, aluminum, cobalt, copper, cerium, niobium, titanium, tungsten, tin, zinc, lead, and zirconium; and the steel alloy comprises iron and about 1% to about 50% of at least one alloy metal. 